Things To Do When You Need A Break From Stu-DYING

College students are kind of known for having lots of homework. Sure, we spend a lot less time actually in class, but all the extra free time we usually get sucked into our studies. But it's important to make time to relax and take care of yourself too.

So, here are some activities to do when you've been studying excessively and really need a break:

1. Take A Nap.

Your eyes are burning because you've been staring at that book or computer screen for the past three hours. Don't sleep the whole day away, but a one hour nap is a really great way to recharge.

2. Find A Show To Get Lost In.

When your brain has been working like crazy to process all the information you're studying, it can be nice to take a break by watching some TV! Lately, I've been enjoying watching the Marvel shows on Netflix, but the past few days have been spent watching "America's Next Top Model." Just turn on the show and let your brain rest for a bit!

3. Get A Snack.

Chances are if you've been studying for a long time, you probably haven't eaten in a while, so take the time to stop and grab a snack! Try not to go for something super sugary, but something that actually has the protein to get you through the rest of your studying session!

4. Take A Shower.

Studying can make you really tense, so taking a shower is a really good chance to relax! Just be warned that it might make you a little sleepy.

5. Listen To Some Music.

Like watching TV, listening to some music can be a great way to just let your brain chill out for a few minutes instead of having to focus on something.

6. Take A Walk.

You don't necessarily have to go outside, especially if it's raining, but even just walking around in a hallway helps get the blood flowing and will help you feel more revitalized!

7. Meditate.

Meditating can be a really great way to reorient your mind and get your focus back, and there are lots of options out there! There are tons of free apps and websites you can use, but I like using Headspace because they have meditations specifically meant for students!

8. Call Your Mom.

I don't know about you guys, but when I'm really stressed, hearing my mom's voice can really help me out, especially when I'm really missing home.

9. Get Out Of The House!

If you've been studying for a really long time, it can be easy to get a little sick of your surroundings. So you could go run an errand, or even just go for a quick drive. Anything that just gives you a change of pace!

10. Focus On One Of Your Hobbies.

This is a dangerous one because it can be ridiculously easy to just give up on studying and keep going on with your hobby, so don't do that! But it's definitely okay to take the time to do an activity that you really enjoy doing, just make sure you do go back to studying if you need to.

11. Look For Some Memes Or Funny YouTube Videos.

Honestly, sometimes we all just really need a laugh, and it can definitely help lower the stress levels. So by all means, look for the memes!

12. Grab Yourself Some Caffeine.

If you're feeling really low in energy and you just need a little pick-me-up to get you through the rest of your studying, go grab some tea or coffee! The little bit of caffeine will give you just enough of a boost to power on through!

To The Teacher Who Was So Much More

I think it's fair to say that most people remember at least one teacher who had a lasting impact on them. I have been incredibly lucky to have several teachers who I will never forget, but one individual takes the cake. So here's to you: thank you for all you have done.

Thank you for teaching me lessons not just in the textbook.

Although you taught a great lecture, class was never just limited to the contents of the course. Debates and somewhat heated conversations would arise between classmates over politics and course material, and you always encouraged open discussion. You embraced the idea of always having an opinion, and always making it be heard, because why waste your voice? You taught me to fight for things I believed in, and to hold my ground in an argument. You taught me to always think of others before doing and speaking. You showed me the power of kindness. Thank you for all the important lessons that may not have been included in the curriculum.

Thank you for believing in me.

Especially in my senior year, you believed in me when other teachers didn't. You showed me just what I could accomplish with a positive and strong attitude. Your unwavering support kept me going, especially when I melted into a puddle of tears weekly in your office. You listened to my stupid complaints, understood my overwhelming stress-induced breakdowns, and told me it was going to be okay. Thank you for always being there for me.

Thank you for inspiring me.

You are the epitome of a role model. Not only are you intelligent and respected, but you have a heart of gold and emit beautiful light where ever you go. You showed me that service to others should not be looked at as a chore, but something to enjoy and find yourself in. And I have found myself in giving back to people, thanks to your spark. Thank you for showing me, and so many students, just how incredible one person can be.

Thank you for changing my life.

Without you, I truly would not be where I am today. As cliche as it sounds, you had such a remarkable impact on me and my outlook on life. Just about a year has passed since my graduation, and I'm grateful to still keep in touch. I hope you understand the impact you have made on me, and on so many other students. You are amazing, and I thank you for all you have done.

Studying the LSAT and Working Full Time

Working full time and studying for the LSAT proves a delicate tightrope that many people grapple to tread. If you find yourself in such a situation, then some good news is on the horizon as many have juggled the requirements of both aspects seamlessly in the past. Today we take a look at what these individuals did and how you too can effectively balance the scales without leaning too much to one side or the other.

Starting early

Having a full-time job leaves little morsels of time to work with and often the best approach entails beginning early so that the collective total makes up constructive study hours in the long run. As a general rule of thumb for the working class, start a minimum of 4 but preferably 6 months to the date of the test. Science dictates that there are half a dozen intellectual and quality hours per day and with a demanding job breathing down your neck, you can only set aside about a third of that for productive LSAT test prep. With 3 months being the measure of ideal study time for a full-time student, you'll need double that period to be sufficiently up to par.

Maximizing your mornings

Studying in the evenings after a grueling and intellectually draining day at work is as good as reading blank textbooks. It's highly unlikely you'll be able to grasp complex concepts at this time, so start your mornings early so that you can devote this extra time when you are at your mental pinnacle to unraveling especially challenging topics. Evening study times should only be for refresher LSAT prep or going through light subject matters requiring little intellectual initiative. For those who hit their stride at night, take some time to unwind and complete your chores before getting down to business well before bedtime.

Taking some time off

All work and no play does indeed make Jack a dull boy and going back and forth between work and study is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. So take some time off of work every now and then, preferably during weekdays- you can ask for a day off every fortnight or so- as weekends are a prime study period free of work obligations. Such breaks reduce fatigue, better study performance and increase the capacity for information retention.

Prioritizing study

Given the scarce oasis of free time in your busy schedule, you cannot afford to miss even a single session and this commitment is important in spreading out the burden so that it is not overwhelming as you approach the finish line. Be sure to have a clear schedule in place and even set reminders/alarms to help enforce your timetable. If it's unavoidable to miss a single session, set aside a makeup as soon as possible.

Last but not least, have a strong finish. Once you are approaching the home run i.e. about 2 or 3 weeks to the test, take this time off to shift your focus solely to the test. The last month can make or break your LSAT test prep and it'll be hard to concentrate on working whilst focusing completely on the test.